It always starts the same way here at Scottish Express — a topo map spread on the kitchen table, tea going cold, eyes tracing those lines just beyond the familiar tracks. A few years back, the Rainbow Ski Area road kept catching my attention. Everyone heads for Robert Ridge (and it’s a cracker), but what about starting high at Rainbow Ski Field, crossing the St Arnaud Range crest, then following Parachute Rocks down to Saint Arnaud village? We ran a trial shuttle, walked it ourselves, and knew we’d stumbled on something special.
These days, we’re offering it again as an adventure transport run — drop at Rainbow Ski Area, pick-up in Saint Arnaud. Details via the button at the end.
The Route That Hooked Me
Dawn on the Rainbow road: gravel crunching under tyres, that sharp alpine air as we climb above the bushline. The Rainbow Ski Field crew — good sorts who keep that access open — were all for it. We chipped in toward road maintenance, because keeping alpine roads like this open rely on everyone mucking in.
You start high near the ski basin, moving through tussock flats and alpine tarns (small glacial lakes) toward the crest of the St Arnaud around 1700m. This one’s for experienced outdoor enthusiasts — no formed track, just open alpine country where navigational skills (GPX, map, cairns) come into play. Clear days open up the views: ridgelines fading away in the distance Alpine basins stretching out before you on the lower slopes
The ridge rolls along with some gravelly bits and very mild exposure (depending on your route choice), then Parachute Rocks takes you down through beech forest zig-zags to the village — its a solid descent that will work your legs!!. Our test run wrapped mid-afternoon at the Alpine Lodge: woodsmoke in the air, hot chips, a cold one, quick yarns with locals before heading back to Nelson.
A Day in Proper Alpine Country
It’s got true alpine feel — rewarding for those who know their way around the hills. Some link it in 6–7 hours; others take the full 8.5 hr time allowance, lingering at tarns or crests. We’ve shuttled crews who came off smiling, ready for a lodge meal and a recap.
The transport side’s simple: drop at Rainbow, collect in Saint Arnaud. No car shuffles or extra road. It leaves you free to focus on the walking.
Custom Runs: Your Plan, Our Shuttle
This kind of route shows what we do — custom transport tailored to what you’ve got in mind. Tarn camping overnight before the Parachute finish? Early start for better light? Happy to sort it. Being a small operation with solid drivers means we can flex for groups or plans that need a tweak.
The local flavour keeps things real — finishing with a snack and drink at the local lodge and , having a yarn to locals about the adventures of the day., and knowing part of your fare goes back into help maintain these awesome mountain access roads
Lessons from the High Country
A few things we’ve picked up along the way:
- Layer for the weather — take more than you think you need- alpine weather is very changeable
- Have your Nav gear ready — GPX and maps for the untracked stretches.
- Trekking Poles ease the descent without fuss.
- Tarn water’s good but treat it first, or take extra water
- Check the forecast
- Alpine Lodge – check out what they have to offer post walk
Keen for the Range?
Tussock and tarns got you thinking? Check the button below for the next Rainbow Ski Field to Parachute Rocks run on our monthly specials. We’ll handle the transport logistics
Want to do it as a group on your own schedule? Hit us up for Custom Tranport
Unsure if this route is for you? We recommend checking in at the Mountain Safety Council Website to help you with your planning
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